Newington Moves Forward On Electric Car Charging Stations

Newington officials want to add electric car charging stations. But some think they could get a better deal.

NEWINGTON — The town council has voted to seek a state grant for an electric car charging station downtown.

The council approved the application April 24 on a party-line vote, with both Republicans present voting no. Minority leader David Nagel and Councilwoman Beth DelBuono emphasized that they support green initiatives, but believe the town could get a better deal for a charging station elsewhere.

"I'm not against the project as a green project," DelBuono said. "I want to find a better way to do it."

Democrats, all of whom voted yes, hailed the grant as the best way to get another charging station downtown. There are only a handful in town, including one at Best Market in the town center.

"For me, this is like a pilot," Democratic Councilman James Marocchini said. "I would be proud for Newington to pioneer this. I have a feeling that we're going to see a lot more of these down the road."

The grant would provide the town with up to $10,000 for two or more charging stations, according to a memo from Town Planner Craig Minor. Town Manager John Salomone recommended that the council seek the grant.

"We think it's a good project," he said. "It brings a little more downtown."

But Nagel and DelBuono expressed concern about a provision of the grant requiring the town to pay the cost of charges forever. Minor estimated the cost at $2,000 a year.

They also worried that an electric car owner living in a nearby apartment would hog the station for free charges.

"They could hook up and stay all day," DelBuono said.

Salomone told Republicans that the town would monitor usage and take steps if someone abused the station.

"We can put limitations on it," Salomone said. "It's really meant to plug in while you shop."

DelBuone suggested that the power company could provide a charging station without the town's having to pay the power bill indefinitely.

Because of an approaching deadline to apply for the grant, the council voted 5-2 to waive its rules to vote on the measure. Nagel and DelBuono cast the dissenting votes.

Nagel said he voted no because information on the proposal was not provided to the council soon enough.

"I will not vote if I feel we don't have adequate time to consider it," he said.